Third Week in April
The baseball pictured here was used on April 16, 1940, when Bob Feller of the Cleveland Indians became the first -- and only -- pitcher to throw a no-hitter on Opening Day. Feller outdueled Edgar Smith of the Chicago White Sox in winning a 1-0 decision at Comiskey Park. During one at-bat, White Sox star Luke Appling fouled off 15 straight pitches against Feller, but failed to get a hit against the hard-throwing right-hander. Feller's masterpiece represented the first of three no-hitters he would throw during his 18-year, tying him with Larry Corcoran and Cy Young, a record that has only been exceeded by Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan. Feller would also throw an astounding 12 one-hitters during his career.